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About Turkey |
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Turkey, a country of utmost strategic importance in the world with its geopolitical location, is on the intersection point of Asia, Europe and Africa continents, which are referred to as the "Lands of the Old World". This country, with the generous divine gifts of all sorts of scenic wonders, is a unique bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations as well as for inter-faith dialogue.
Turkey is in south-eastern Europe and western Asia (that portion of Turkey in the west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria.
Linking Europe and the Middle East, suspended between the new and the long-established, Turkey retains a disconcerted balance of both the east and the west, representing a cultural mix with many discrepancies and contradictions. Modern city boutiques and exotic bazaars clamour for customers, the weekly tolling of church bells interrupts the daily call of the muezzin (sings the call), and the Roman ruins at the beginning of Christianity compete for attention with the history of the Ottoman Empire and modern secularity.
The different regions of Turkey offer an assortment of landscapes, activities and characters, and whether one is a history or archaeology enthusiast, a sun-worshipper, sailor, or city-lover keen on shopping, there is something on offer for everyone. Istanbul, with one part in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia, is a fascinating city with its frenzied market places, imperial residences and minarets, and sporting a lively ambience of contemporary art and musical entertainment.
Cappadocia in Central Turkey offers an astounding landscape of eroded volcanic rock cones and fairy chimneys, remarkable subterranean cities and rock-hewn houses that merge harmoniously with the ochre-coloured landscape; while further south the 'Turquoise Coast' is a heaven for boat cruises. One can enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathing on golden sands, or explore the wonderful ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
And Western Turkey, with its picturesque seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, scenic and recreational attractions, well-preserved archaeological sites and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Wherever one ventures in Turkey there is certain to be a warm welcome and traditional hospitality, making this a deeply satisfying corner of the world in which to travel. |




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